AFS Intercultural Programs: High School in Switzerland
by: AFS-USA
Switzerland is a small, polished gem of a country, with mountains, forests, lakes, and modern cities like Zurich and Geneva. While there are three common languages – German (70%), French (20%), and Italian (10%), you will probably live with a German-speaking host family. Switzerland is said to have one of the world’s best education systems, and most students go to public schools by public transportation. Family life is important to the Swiss and you'll spend a good amount of time with your host family, taking trips to nearby natural resorts, as well as having healthy meals together. You'll discover a love for the outdoors in Switzerland since the Swiss greatly enjoy hiking, skiing, and bicycling. No matter where you’re placed, you’ll never be more than 10 miles from one of Switzerland’s 1,500 sparkling lakes. Discover diversity in a peaceful, collaborative, and idyllic environment when you study abroad in Switzerland!
Switzerland is a small, polished gem of a country, with mountains, forests, lakes, and modern cities like Zurich and Geneva. While there are three common languages – German (70%), French (20%), and Italian (10%), you will probably live with a German-speaking host family. Switzerland is said to have one of the world’s best education systems, and most students go to public schools by public transportation. Family life is important to the Swiss and you'll spend a good amount of time with your host family, taking trips to nearby natural resorts, as well as having healthy meals together. You'll discover a love for the outdoors in Switzerland since the Swiss greatly enjoy hiking, skiing, and bicycling. No matter where you’re placed, you’ll never be more than 10 miles from one of Switzerland’s 1,500 sparkling lakes. Discover diversity in a peaceful, collaborative, and idyllic environment when you study abroad in Switzerland!
Program Highlights
Immerse yourself in German, French, or Italian – the best way to become fluent.
Experience Switzerland’s stunning natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to crystal-clear lakes.
Live with a host family to deepen your immersion and connection to Swiss culture and, if you’re like most AFSers, you won’t want to leave this second family and home.
Make connections and memories you'll never forget with other AFS exchange students from all over the world.
Become a global citizen; gain intercultural communication skills; build your college and career resume; and help create a more peaceful, understanding world.
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Quick Details
- Zurich, Switzerland
- 7-12 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Experiential Learning
- Homestays
- Language Immersion
- Student Exchange
- American
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
I had the best year of my life.
May 04, 2022by: Xander Divelbess - United StatesStudying abroad in Switzerland was the best decision of my life. I am so grateful that I believed in myself and got out into the world, stepping out of my comfort zone. I was blessed with a wonderful family that took care of me and gave me the freedom I needed to make friends and immerse myself in the Swiss culture to the degree I wanted. Not only did I learn about a new culture but I also learned about myself as a person, which is an incredibly valuable lesson that not much can teach. The most important part about approaching going abroad is believing in yourself and having faith that things will work for you. I became a new person by the end of my year abroad, thanks to the beautiful experience I had, and I would not trade it for a single thing on this Earth. Now that I have ties to Switzerland, I am doing everything I can to go back there for higher education.
Dear Xander, thank you for your wonderful review! We are so glad that you had an incredible year. Please stay in touch with us!
Great experience
October 21, 2009by: anonymous - SwitzerlandReally great experience. I would definitely recommend the program.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Zurich, Switzerland
Types and Subjects
- Focus Areas
- Experiential Learning
- Homestays
- Language Immersion
- Student Exchange
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 7-12 Months
- 3-6 Months
Age Requirement
14-17
Guidelines
- American
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Travel Insurance
- International Airfare
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- Some high school, no diploma
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- In-Person Interview Required
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Transcript
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
What is High School like in Switzerland?
Switzerland has one of the world's top education systems, and you can expect your classmates to be highly motivated and engaged students. You’ll most likely attend a baccalaureat school, an academically competitive high school that prepares students for university studies. A typical day might start around 8 am and end around 6 pm. Most schools have classes until noon on Wednesday, leaving the rest of the day free for skiing and other activities.
What is Teenage Life like in Switzerland?
Teenagers are usually very active and participate in sports and clubs organized by the school or community. Since the Alps cover more than half of the country, you can definitely plan on lots of opportunities to go skiing and mountain climbing. Other popular sports include ice hockey, biking, and soccer.
What is the Food like in Switzerland?
The Swiss diet is mostly a mix of French and German cuisines, with a variety of sausages and rich cheeses, as well as several fish and pork dishes. The German influence can be seen in plates of spaetzli (homemade pasta covered in butter and oil), while French-speaking areas are known to enjoy fondue and raclette (melted cheese eaten mostly during the winter months).
Ready to Learn More?
Switzerland is a small, polished gem of a country, with mountains, forests, lakes, and modern cities like Zurich and Geneva. While there are three common languages – German (70%), French (20%), and Italian (10%), you will probably live with a German-speaking host family. Switzerland is said to have one of the world’s best education systems, and most students go to public schools by public transportation. Family life is important to the Swiss and you'll spend a good amount of time with your host family, taking trips to nearby natural resorts, as well as having healthy meals together. You'll discover a love for the outdoors in Switzerland since the Swiss greatly enjoy hiking, skiing, and bicycling. No matter where you’re placed, you’ll never be more than 10 miles from one of Switzerland’s ...
AFS-USA
AFS-USA
Ready to Learn More?
Switzerland is a small, polished gem of a country, with mountains, forests, lakes, and modern cities like Zurich and Geneva. While there are three common languages – German (70%), French (20%), and Italian (10%), you will probably live with a German-speaking host family. Switzerland is said to have one of the world’s best education systems, and most students go to public schools by public transportation. Family life is important to the Swiss and you'll spend a good amount of time with your host family, taking trips to nearby natural resorts, as well as having healthy meals together. You'll discover a love for the outdoors in Switzerland since the Swiss greatly enjoy hiking, skiing, and bicycling. No matter where you’re placed, you’ll never be more than 10 miles from one of Switzerland’s ...
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